A standard local authority property search is set out in two documents - the Local Land Charges Search and the replies to the Required Enquiries of Local Authority (known as Con 29R enquiries).
A further document (Optional Enquiries of Local Authority - know as Con 29O enquiries) may also be completed if a buyer so wishes.
Local Land Charges Search
This search sets out details of all the documents found in the Local Land Charges Register that affect a particular property. Most of these documents were served on the property (or on the general area in which the property is situated) by the local authority and the legislation under which they were served stated that they must be registered in the Local Land Charges Register as well.
Examples of documents found in this register are: details of conditions imposed by planning permissions; tree preservation orders; listed building designations; agreements or licences involving the Council; and outstanding debts for works carried out on the owner’s behalf. These documents will give a prospective buyer an idea of what they can and cannot do with the property.
See Searches page for further information.
Con 29R Enquiries of Local Authority
These are a list of enquiries drawn up by the Government that ask questions about the property such as whether the roads surrounding it are adopted, whether there are any plans to restrict parking in the area and whether the Council is planning to serve (or has served) any notices that would affect the use of the property or result in its compulsory purchase. There are also questions relating to planning and building regulation decisions.
See Required Enquiries page for further information.
Con 29O Enquiries of Local Authority
These are a further agreed set of questions that will give details of such matters as public footpaths, common land, registered houses in multiple occupation, advertisements at the property etc. Buyers will often consider that they would like to have answers to some or all of these questions to get a full impression of the property.
See Optional Enquiries page for further information.
Related Documents
All documents open in a new window. Need more help with documents? View the Document Help page.
Related Websites
Contact Land Charges
- Tel: 01803 207107
- Email: landcharges@torbay.gov.uk
- Fax: N/A

Property Searches